The 10-Year Mental Health Plan is the result of a robust feedback process that included input from hundreds of interested parties statewide through focus groups, workgroups, public sessions, and written comments. It takes a comprehensive and innovative approach to address the mental health needs of people across their life span.

​The Plan envisions a statewide mental health system that provides:​

• access to the full continuum of care, including community education and engagement
• prevention and early intervention services
• outpatient, inpatient and crisis supports and services
• child-focused strategies and recommendations
• integration of mental health and primary health care
• intensified efforts to address suicide prevention

The Plan includes alternatives to long wait times in emergency departments for psychiatric hospitalizations, such as mobile crisis services; incentives to increase psychiatric bed capacity; increased support for those transitioning to and from higher levels of mental health care; and more peer support as people with a mental illness navigate their way through the system of care.

The Plan’s recommendations highlight and reflect both the stakeholder input received and include action steps on how the Department and stakeholders will implement those recommendations, funding benchmarks, and potential legal and regulatory changes.

New Hampshire Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council (NHBHPAC) 

The State Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council (BHPAC), required by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), reviews and monitors the biennial Mental Health Block Grant plan. The council also monitors the mental health services and support system throughout the state. Its membership is comprised of interested individuals, including:

• Individuals in recovery from serious mental illness (SMI) or serious mental illness and substance use disorders 
• Family members of individuals in recovery from serious mental illness (SMI) or serious mental illness and substance use disorders 
• Parents/guardians of children with a serious emotional disturbance (SED)
• Representatives of Advocacy Groups for individuals living with mental illness 
• Service providers 
• Representatives from State agencies 

The BHPAC meets quarterly. These meetings are public. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply using  the NHBHPAC (Behavioral Health Planning & Advisory Council) Membership Application.

Information about the council can also be found in the NHBPAC Flyer.

Community Mental Health Block Grant Application

SAMHSA believes that requiring states to submit plans for their behavioral health care systems is in keeping with SAMHSA’s governance of federal funds to require states to explain what their objectives are in the use of the funds and how they intend to spend them. Having the states submit a plan including performance measures allows SAMHSA to hold the states accountable for goals that they have set for themselves.

View the FFY 2022-2023 Block Grant Application

American Rescue Plan Mental Health Block Grant NH Plan: Federal Fiscal Years 2021-2025

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) directed the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide additional funds to support states through Block Grants to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for Americans with mental illness and substance use disorders. The SAMHSA provided states with mental health block grant spending guidance for the awards that focus on community mental health services for adults with serious mental illness (SMI) and children with serious emotional disturbance (SED). 

View the ARPA Funding Plan FFY 2021-2025

COVID Mitigation Plan: Federal Fiscal Years 2021-2025

People with mental illness and substance use disorder are more likely to have co-morbid physical health issues like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Such chronic illnesses are associated with higher instances of contracting coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as well as higher risk of death or a poor outcome from an episode of COVID-19. To address this concern, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will invest $100 million dollars to expand dedicated testing and mitigation resources for people with mental health and substance use disorders.

View the COVID Mitigation Plan

Reaching out for support is the first step. It takes courage to ask for help but you are not alone. Mental health services in NH are available to everyone, regardless of age or ability to pay. Your health and wellbeing is our priority and services are available to help you maintain hope, wellness, and recovery. Please reach out today, or find out more about mental health resources.